1906 Peugeot Frères 5hp

Registration no. JAS 793 Frame no. 11559 Engine no. 16943

• Pioneer motorcycle from one of the European industry's founding manufacturers
• Formerly part of the Ernst Wouters collection in Belgium
• An older restoration

One of the pioneering firms of the French motorcycle industry, Peugeot followed the familiar progression, first adding proprietary clip-on engines to its bicycles before building complete machines of its own manufacture. The first Peugeot was manufactured in 1882; at this time the firm was known as Peugeot Frères, but as more family members joined, changed its name to Les Fils de Peugeot Frères.

Dating from its manufacturer's 'Peugeot Frères' period, this 5hp Peugeot v-twin once formed part of the collection of Ernest Wouters. Wouters' was one of the finest collections of early motorcycles and bicycles in original, untouched condition and was housed in the Bicycle and Motorcycle Museum, 'La Petite Reine', situated at Falmignoul in the Belgian Ardennes. The collection comprised some 60 early motorcycles, including tricycles and forecars, and 300-or-so bicycles. Due to its founder's illness, the museum was liquidated circa 1985 and all exhibits sold to other collectors, including this Peugeot's previous owner, noted collector Brian Moore, who purchased the machine directly from the museum and restored it, sparing no effort to make this one of their finest restorations ever. The machine has the optional Truffault front fork and Bosch magneto, while another useful 'extra' is the NSU-patent two-speed epicyclic gear with crankshaft-mounted clutch, top gear being direct drive. The handlebars carry Bowden-type levers (that operate the two Garrier-type rear-wheel brakes) a beautiful twisted bulb horn and leather case for spare inner tube. Lighting is by Riemann self-contained acetylene headlamp, while the leather Brooks-type saddle bears the 'Peugeot Frères' logo. The machine was ridden in several rallies, including the Dutch Horsepower Run and other pre-1915 events on the Continent.

The immediately preceding owner, a Peter Sanders of Putney, London, purchased the Peugeot at Bonhams' Olympia sale in December 2002 (Lot 233). Now offered from the collection of noted collector, the late Ken Senior, the machine has not been used for some time and would respond well to detailing and recommissioning or restoration to a greater or lesser extent. Accompanying documentation includes an expired MoT (2004); an old-style V5 registration document; starting/operating instructions; and a quantity of marque-related literature. A truly beautiful specimen of an early Pioneer motorcycle from one of the European industry's founding manufacturers.
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